Hawks’ Saad named Calder Trophy finalist

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad thought that he had a good regular season.

Then again, Saad thought that a lot of rookies around the NHL had a good regular season.

On Monday, Saad learned that the NHL considered him as one of the top three newcomers in 2013. The Hawks’ 20-year-old forward was named as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, which is given to the league’s best rookie.

Joining Saad as finalists were Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher and Florida Panthers center Justin Huberdeau. The winner will be named during the Stanley Cup Final series.

“It’s a big honor,” Saad said. “But it’s the same approach as before.”